Friday, June 9, 2017

Sumner Parents - Bring Your Family Here for the Eclipse August 21

Sumner County public schools will be closed on Monday, August 21 for the total eclipse of the sun. It's a huge event for the area. We're inviting kids and families to a free educational eclipse watching event on the Vol State campus in Gallatin that day. We'll have presentations, fun activities for kids, free eclipse watching glasses and a narration during the event itself. The goal is to share a love of science learning with kids and parents alike. It's a family event- no alcohol or smoking will be allowed. We will have food for sale. Families can picnic if they would like.We're inviting people from across the area to attend. It should be a fun day. We already have 1000 people registered. We will cut off registration when we reach our limit for the event...so we encourage interested parents to sign-up now at this registration web page. Here are more details:On August 21, 2017 there will be a total solar eclipse along a narrow path across the United States. A total solar eclipseoccurs when the new Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. The event creates fascinating lighting and allows viewers to see the corona of the Sun.

Gallatin, Tennessee will be one of the best spots
in the country to view the total eclipse with totality lasting two
minutes and forty seconds. Eclipse viewing in the area will be from
noon-3 p.m. Totality will occur at 1:27 p.m.

Of course, viewing is dependent on the weather. Overcast skies may make eclipse viewing marginal.

Volunteer State Community College
is organizing a free eclipse watching event on our campus in Gallatin.
It is open to everyone. We will have educational presentations, live
video viewing of the eclipse in other parts of the country, live
narration during the totality, and fun science exhibits for kids and
adults. The activities will be held outside and also in air-conditioned
buildings.

We will have free eclipse viewing glasses
available, while supplies last. You want to make sure to use such
glasses or devices to view the sun during the partial phases of the
eclipse. Viewing the sun directly is dangerous without the proper
eyeware. Sunglasses do not block enough light to be safe.

Seating will be primarily open lawn. Attendees are
encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. There will be room for
picnicking. We will also have food and beverages for sale. The campus
has plenty of bathrooms and heat relief zones (seating areas) in many
buildings.

Parking is also free. Buses and RV's are welcome,
but there will be no overnight parking, before or after the event.
Parking lots open at 8 a.m. Once the lots are full, the campus will be
closed to new entrants. Entry is first come, first served. The campus
will close at 6pm on the day of the Eclipse. No alcohol will be allowed
in vehicles or on campus. There is no smoking on campus. This is
designed as a family event. To schedule a group visit with a bus please call 615-230-3570 or email eric.melcher@volstate.edu